BEST PRACTICES : DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. eDisaster Management Plan

Gadchiroli District Administration has implemented an ICT based comprehensive and effective solution to respond to recurring disasters in the area. The technologies used are accessible, affordable and appropriate.

Situated in the Godavari drainage basin, in Maharastra, Gadchiroli has abundant natural resources and experience good rainfall. The rivers and rain are source of irrigation here, and many villages are on the bank of the rivers passing through the district. Due to heavy monsoon, these rivers often get flooded between July-September and cause damage to people and property. In order to respond to this recurring problem, the district administration designed a technology-based disaster management programme that combines eFlood Alerts with blood donor information system.

The innovation integrates several ICT components to provide a comprehensive solution. The disaster management system includes a 24*7 Control Room to coordinate all efforts, an eFlood Alert System that uses a sensor to detect water level and send an automatic update to important government and non-governmental functionaries; a water level monitoring system in observation wells to check the ground water level and a blood donor information system that links donors to the recipients.

Introduction of the disaster management plan has streamlined the information flow during crisis, and also eased rescue operation. The government departments receive alert prior to river reaching danger levels or floods occurring. This helps them in planning evacuation and rehabilitation strategies in advanced. Overall, the programme has proved to be useful as it responds to the needs of the government and citizens, and mitigates the risk of recurring disaster.

2. Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force

The Government of Odisha's exclusive task force executes search and rescue operations during natural and man-made disasters in a timely and reliable manner.

The devastation caused by the 1999 super cyclone brought about a paradigm shift in disaster management in the state of Odisha. Immediately following the disaster, the government established the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) to undertake post-disaster relief activities across the state. To prevent loss of lives during natural and man-made disasters, the government has further formed a specialised taskforce, known as Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), for search and rescue during times of crisis.

ODRAF’s streamlined operations, top-notch training, and unique user-feedback mechanism to prioritise procurement of equipment, have contributed to its success for which it has been recognised on a number of occasions.

Furthermore, ODRAF plays a major role in improving the overall working of disaster management in the state through the coordination of stakeholders at all levels of state administration and interaction with national level disaster management authorities.

3. Nirmithi Kendra - Post-disaster housing

Nirmithi Kendra building centre was establishedduring the massive floods that hit Kerala in 1985 to provide cost-effective and timely housing solutions to those whose homes were destroyed due to soil erosion.

Against the background of India’s enormous housing demand of 40 million units and frequent occurrence of floods, the first Nirmithi Kendra was established in 1985 by the provincial administration of Kerala to quickly offer low-cost and resource-saving housing.The success of this first centre motivated a basic analysis of housing provision in India and a programme that would solve its problems.

Nirmithi Kendra provides the public, marginalised groups in particular, with a local expert centre for cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly housing, for the production of building materials, and for the development of training and advisory in construction and water harvesting technology.

The model demonstrates how microfinancing and subsidised housing can lead to productive ownership.

4. Fire Alert Messaging System (FAMS)

The Fire Alert Messaging System is a disaster management tool built by the Forest Department of Madhya Pradesh to identify fire sensitive zones in the forested areas. It is an ICT-led strategy to preserve natural resources and protect livelihoods.

Madhya Pradesh has leveraged satellite technology and a computer based communication network to protect the state’s natural reserves, wildlife and livelihoods of its tribal population. This system directly benefits 15.4 million people who depend on forest produce for survival.

The system involves the identification of fire prone forest areas through satellite sensors and quick remedial action as encouraged through SMS alerts to front line staff. The operating system helps to monitor the extent of burnt forest area, loss of life and other property. There is additionally a database of fire locations which can be used for future reference. All data collected is available on the public domain. The success of this initiative has inspired other states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir to consider replication.

5. Drought Management, Karnataka

This project is designed to predict drought by using scientific methods, tools and data to prevent its occurrence; and respond to mitigate the effects of drought through drought relief and drought proofing measures.

The Drought Management System is a multilevel institutionalized drought monitoring and early warning system that can be used in normal and drought periods. It can operate and perform the functions of monitoring, mitigation, preparedness, vulnerability mapping, and declaration; and accordingly carry out funding and relief operations in drought affected areas.

It also uses ground-based data and data obtained from space technologies such as remote sensing and vegetation mapping for prediction purposes. This improved drought management system has resulted in reducing poverty levels in drought-affected states.

There is a shift in methodology from Crisis management (traditional approach) to Risk management. It involves a holistic approach to drought management, which includes forecasting, prevention, mitigation and preparedness in pre-drought phase along with post-drought measures of relief, rehabilitation under crisis management.

5. Forest Fire Risk Zonation Using Geomatics, Andhra Pradesh

The AP Forest Department has taken initiative for fire risk zonation in forest areas of entire Andhra Pradesh using latest technology such as Satellite Remote Sensing, Global Positioning System, and Geographical Information system.

The Andhra Pradesh Fire department has developed the Satellite Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Technology to prepare on fire management and mapping the fire risk zones. These maps are useful in delineating vulnerability of the areas to fire; helps in locating and creating fire lines to combat fire hazard.

In addition, the department has proposed fire-protecting measures as an integral component of fire management. It includes controlled burning, fire line cutting, and firewatcher engagement.

This model can be applied to other forest areas in the country under similar environmental conditions..